News

Laurel and Hardy inspire new BBC drama

Comedy legends Laurel and Hardy will be the subject of a new BBC drama being written by Philomena co-writer Jeff Pope.

Pope, who also created the TV dramas Mrs Biggs and Appropriate Adult, is currently working on Stan and Ollie, a new drama chronicling the duo's 1953 tour of Britain.

The 90-minute one-off film has been described as "love letter to two pioneers and enduring giants of screen comedy" which would "beautifully" capture the comedians' "deep emotional bond with great insight and heart".

The pair's 1953 tour of Britain took place at a time when their careers were on the wane and beset with problems. Hardy eventually died three years later at the age of 65 and Laurel passed away eight after that aged 74, having received an honorary Oscar in 1961.